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This list features our go-to tools, utensils, and cookware that are essential tools for stocking the kitchen. Use the list to stock your kitchen, find the perfect gift for a cook, or refresh your own items.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

As a recipe developer and food blogger for over ten years, I spend A LOT of time in the kitchen and use a number of different tools and cookware. I’ve used my experiences to put together a list of 15 essential items every kitchen needs. Of course, this list could easily be 100 items but I wanted to focus on mostly basics as a starting point.

What is the most important thing to look for in a kitchen tool?

When buying kitchen items that are going to be used over and over, the key is to focus on quality. For example: I buy inexpensive plastic cutting boards but I know they’ll only last a short time. I invest in my wooden cutting boards because I want them to last for years. However, quality doesn’t have to mean buying the most expensive items either. In this list, I’ve included multiple options to hopefully find something that fits within any budget.

Chef’s Knife

A chef’s knife is the work horse of kitchen knives. It is the most versatile and perfect for all kind of kitchen chopping, slicing, and dicing. Stainless steel or carbon steel are your two best options for strength and longevity. Here are a few recommended chef’s knife options:

Measuring Cup and Spoon Set

Measuring cups and measuring spoons are must in the kitchen for baking and cooking. Look for measuring spoons that fit easily into most spice jars. Nesting sets are always great options because they take up less space. Here are some of my favorite options:

Mixing Bowl Set

From whisking eggs to tossing vegetables in oil before roasting to mixing your favorite brownie batter, a set of mixing bowls is a kitchen non-negotiable. I usually go for glass mixing bowls because they are microwave and dishwasher safe.

Peeler

A good peeler makes fast work of peeling potatoes and other vegetables. I went the longest time with just a standard peeler but the addition of a Y peeler made some things so much easier. If you only have space for one in your kitchen list, go for the standard peeler.

Silicone Spatulas

Silicone spatulas are perfect for mixing, stirring in a nonstick pan, and scraping the last bits of batter from a bowl. I prefer ones with metal handles over wood but be sure to get ones that will work with high heat for the best option.

Meat Thermometer

A must-have for everything from roasting the holiday turkey to cooking on the grill. A thermometer is the most effective way to ensure that you aren’t under or overcooking your meat. I prefer a digital thermometer but the options are really endless.

Half Sheet Pan

Every kitchen can benefit from a variety of baking pans. But, if you’re limited to just one type, go for a half sheet pan. It can be used for pretty much of your baking and prep needs.

Wooden Cutting Board

A spacious cutting board is a necessary companion to the trusty chef’s knife. I prefer a wooden cutting board because they are sturdy and help keep my knives sharper for longer. They do come with a little more maintenance than a plastic cutting board but they are well worth the extra effort.

Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is the pan that does it all. You can use a cast iron skillet to roast a chicken, fry food, bake a dessert, and even cook over an open fire. When choosing a cast iron skillet, try to go with one that is pre-seasoned.

5 Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan

A five quart saucepan is the perfect size to do all kinds of cooking in the kitchen. We use ours for boiling pasta, making rice, and all kinds of other things. Go with a stainless steel one for the most versatility.

Nonstick Frying Pan

A nonstick skillet is perfect for making eggs, crepes, and omelets. I use mine every single day for my morning eggs. Nonstick pans typically don’t have the same lifespan as other types of pans so I don’t recommend splurging here (hence why there is no splurge option offered).

Immersion Blender

If you don’t want to invest the money or kitchen space to a food processor or blender, consider an immersion blender instead. It offers most of the same functionality but in a more compact size. An immersion blender won’t be quite as powerful as a regular blender but you can still puree soup, make mayonnaise, or blend a salad dressing.

Casserole Dish

A glass or ceramic casserole dish is an absolute must have. The standard size for most recipes is usually 9×13″. You can use it for lasagna, casseroles, and even cinnamon rolls.

Kitchen Tongs

Tongs are great for flipping, tossing, or grabbing food quickly and easily. Go for a set that has silicone on the end so they can be used with nonstick cookware. A locking feature is also something to look for when shopping.

Box Grater

A box grater is perfect for grating everything from cheese to chocolate. With multiple sides each offering a different size of grating, you can use this for pretty any grating and shredding.

I hope this list helps fill any gaps in your kitchen essentials!